Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?
There is no dress code for the Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale performances. Most patrons like to get dressed up for a night out to the symphony. However, it is not required.

When should I arrive?
Doors to the Alberta Bair Theater open at 6:30 pm. Concert Cues begins at 6:45 pm. If not planning to attend the discussion, plan on arriving at least 30 minutes prior to the show. This will allow time for you to park, visit the concessions, find your seats and relax before the performance.

How do I find my seat?
There are three levels of seating at the Alberta Bair Theater: the main floor, loge and balcony. Your section and seat number are printed on your ticket. If you are unsure about where your seat is located, there are ushers on each level to assist you.

When is it appropriate to get up from my seat?
Try to wait to use the bathroom or visit the concession at intermission. If you must leave, please try to wait until there is a pause between movements of the orchestra. This also applies for taking your seating. If you arrive late, wait on the side until there is a pause in the music.

How long will the concert run?
Most concerts run between 90 minutes and 2 hours, including intermission.

When do I clap?
A few decades ago, it started to become tradition to refrain from clapping between movements and only applaud at the end of a complete piece of music. However, historically that wasn’t the case, and you are welcome to applaud after each movement if so inspired! The easiest way to determine when to clap is to watch your fellow concert-goers. The audiences applaud to greet the concertmaster as he enters to tune the orchestra, then again when the Maestra and any soloist take the stage.

Do I need to know anything about the music?
No. Explore our website for more information, but discovering the music for the first time is part of the fun!

Concert Etiquette: to ensure that each patron has the best concert experience possible, please take a moment to read the following information.

Seating Policy:
Please plan to arrive on time. If you do arrive after the performance has begun, ushers will wait to seat you until a break in the program. Seat numbers are on the left chair arm.

“Concert Cues”:
Each season concert is preceded at 6:45 p.m. by a brief interactive discussion led by Tom Singer. Please sit near the front of the main-floor area for an insightful conversation related to the evening’s music, composers and guest artists. Patrons must return to their reserved seats after the session.

Cell Phones, Beepers and Other Electronic Devices:
Please turn off all electronic devices that are not medically necessary. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, beepers, Blackberries, etc. If you wear a hearing device, please turn down the volume so that it doesn’t squeal during the performance.

Cameras and Videotaping:
No cameras, video or audio recording devices are allowed in the Alberta Bair Theater.

Sound Too Loud?:
Depending on where you are sitting, you may feel that the volume is too loud. We offer complimentary soft foam earplugs for your comfort. Please ask the ushers for a pair.

Sound Not Loud Enough?:
To assist those who can’t hear the performance well enough, the ABT offers complimentary infrared listening devices. Please exchange your driver’s license or ID for a set at the Coat Check counter.

Restrooms:Men’s and women’s restrooms are located on the mezzanine level. Handicapped access restrooms are located on the north side of the main lobby. Please keep handicapped restrooms on the main floor free for those who are unable to climb stairs.

Smoking:
The Alberta Bair Theater is smoke free. Smoking is not permitted in the building.

Intermission:
Billings Symphony season series concerts have a 20-minute intermission, unless otherwise noted.

Concessions:
Candy, nuts, soft drinks, juices, wine and beer are available for purchase in both the main lobby and mezzanine before the performance and during intermission. Please be courteous of those sitting around you should you bring food or drink into the auditorium.

Playbill Information:
The BSO&C publishes its playbills twice a season and distributes them at each season series concert as well as at The Nutcracker, New Year’s Eve, and Family Concerts. For advertising information, please contact Michelle Dawson, Manager of Marketing and Public Relations, at (406) 294-3712.